Hiking holidays Lake Constance, Appenzell & Toggenburg

Hiking: Alpine Panorama Trail

The alpine panorama trail

First thing you see will be the blue waters of Lake Constance and the rolling green hills of Appenzell. Far behind the massive peaks of Alpstein and Churfirsten tower up proudly. On the first legs the Alpine Panorama Trail lives up to ist name.

But not only the scenic hikes will enchant you, also the traditional, painted houses in Appenzell and the lively traditions of Appenzell and Toggenburg will quickly cast a spell on you.

Itinerary

The climb to the health resort of Heiden (Henri Dunant Museum) and to Kaienspitz is rewarded by extensive views of the Bodensee and to Alpstein. Then via Rehetobel down to Chastenloch and up to Trogen, a village where provincial assemblies were once held.

From Trogen (AR) over two gentle hills with wonderful views of the Säntis, the city of St.Gallen, Bodensee and the undulating Appenzell region, to the wide valley basin of Appenzell with its richly-adorned «citizens' houses».

The route from the Innerrhoder main town of Appenzell to Gontenbad (with natural moor bathing pool) is level. From there along the «Barfussweg» (barefoot path) to Jakobsbad and through forest and meadows to Urnäsch (AR) famous for its Silvesterkläuse (New Year tradition).

Along the small Urnäsch river, across meadows and fields, through dark coniferous forests and past cascading waterfalls up to Schwägalp - bottom station of the aerial cableway to the Säntis with its fantastic summit panorama.

Splendid hike to Lutertannen and over the Risipass vantage point to Stein in Toggenburg. Meadows and Alpine pastures, near-to-nature low-moor marshes and coniferous forests alternate in colourful sequence.